Thesis

An investigation to determine the capability of micro-scale zero-valent iron (μZVI) in the remediation of Cr(VI)

Creator
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2012
Thesis identifier
  • T13171
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Zero-valent iron (ZVI) has been developed as a remediation technology and used widely for the remediation of heavy metal contaminants, which are widely known to cause prolific health effects. In particular, nano-scale ZVI (nZVI) has been highly effective due to its high surface area, and thus high reactivity potential. However, nanotechnology is highly controversial with regards to its safety, and thus an alternative has been sought. Micro-scale ZVI (μZVI) has a larger particle size than nZVI, and can therefore be used as an alternative. Within Glasgow, there is significant hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) contamination, and thus the use of μZVI in a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is a potential solution for its remediation as opposed to current conventional granular ZVI PRBs. Through both batch and column experiments, it has been noted that μZVI has a good removal potential of Cr (VI). The batch experiments show an almost perfect linear correlation between percentage removal of Cr (VI) and mass of μZVI used during the experiments. An aqueous stock solution using potassium chromate (K2CrO4) was prepared at a concentration of 500 μM. It can be determined that 50 g/L μZVI can be used to remediate 100% Cr (VI) from a concentration of 500 μM in approximately 4 days. This correlation was not mimicked in the column experiments due to interaction from the sand used. The sand column displays significantly lower levels of Cr (VI) than initially introduced. This is due to the high silica content of the sand aiding in the removal of Cr (VI). However, despite the control sand column displaying significantly reduced Cr (VI) concentrations than the initial solution, the Cr (VI) levels in both μZVI columns have been reduced to below the detection limit, indicating that the μZVI does indeed successfully remove Cr (VI).
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2012
Former identifier
  • 947479

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